Dampak Perceraian terhadap Perkembangan Kesehatan Mental Anak Usia Dini di Desa Tanah Towa Kecamatan Kajang Kabupaten Bulukumba

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impact of divorce on the development of early childhood mental health in Tanah Towa Village, Kajang District, Bulukumba Regency. This village is a traditional area that is still thick with the Kajang Tribe culture, but amidst the strong influence of customs, the practice of early marriage and the high divorce rate have become worrying social problems. This study uses a qualitative case study approach with data collection techniques through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that divorce has a significant impact on the mental health of early childhood, such as feelings of sadness, trauma, loss of motivation to learn, and deviant behavior. The main factors that cause divorce are prolonged disputes, domestic violence, and economic factors.Efforts to overcome the impact of divorce involve various parties, including husband and wife, extended family, traditional leaders, and the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA). Husband and wife try to maintain their household, but in cases of violence, divorce is the last option for the safety of the child. The extended family and traditional leaders act as mediators based on local values, while the KUA provides education and legal and religious mediation. The results of this study emphasize the importance of synergy between indigenous communities, government institutions, and families in maintaining family resilience and protecting children's rights and mental development. These findings are expected to be a reference in formulating child protection policies in indigenous and rural areas.